Why is in vitro fertilisation used

Sperm are separated from the semen fluid in the lab. Typically, transvaginal ultrasound aspiration is used to retrieve eggs. During this procedure, an ultrasound probe is inserted into your vagina to identify follicles, and a needle is guided through the vagina and into the follicles.

The eggs are removed from the follicles through the needle, which is connected to a suction device. In intracytoplasmic sperm injection ICSI , a single healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. ICSI is often used when semen quality or number is a problem or if fertilization attempts during prior in vitro fertilization cycles failed.

Three days after fertilization, a normally developing embryo will contain about six to 10 cells. By the fifth or sixth day, the fertilized egg is known as a blastocyst — a rapidly dividing ball of cells. The inner group of cells will become the embryo. The outer group will become the cells that nourish and protect it. Embryo transfer is done at your doctor's office or a clinic and usually takes place two to five days after egg retrieval.

If successful, an embryo will implant in the lining of your uterus about six to 10 days after egg retrieval. After the embryo transfer, you can resume your usual daily activities. However, your ovaries may still be enlarged.

Consider avoiding vigorous activity, which could cause discomfort. If you develop moderate or severe pain after the embryo transfer, contact your doctor. He or she will evaluate you for complications such as infection, twisting of an ovary ovarian torsion and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

About 12 days to two weeks after egg retrieval, your doctor will test a sample of your blood to detect whether you're pregnant. The chances of giving birth to a healthy baby after using IVF depend on various factors, including:.

Talk with your doctor about any factors that apply to you and how they may affect your chances of a successful pregnancy. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview In vitro fertilization Open pop-up dialog box Close. In vitro fertilization During in vitro fertilization, eggs are removed from mature follicles within an ovary A.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Egg-retrieval technique Open pop-up dialog box Close. Egg-retrieval technique Typically, transvaginal ultrasound aspiration is used to retrieve eggs.

Blastocyst Open pop-up dialog box Close. Blastocyst Three days after fertilization, a normally developing embryo will contain about six to 10 cells. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Treating infertility. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed April 30, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Assisted reproductive technologies: A guide for patients. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Anchan RM, et al. Gestational carrier pregnancy.

Infertility fact sheet. Office on Women's Health. Paulson R. In vitro fertilization. IVF: Frequently asked questions. You may choose to use donor eggs, sperm, or embryos.

However, make sure to talk with a counselor experienced with donor issues. You will want to be informed about various legal issues related to gamete donation including the legal rights of the donor. The number of embryos transferred typically depends on the number of eggs collected and maternal age. As the rate of implantation decreases as women age, more eggs may be implanted depending on age to increase the likelihood of implantation. However, a greater number of eggs transferred increases the chances of having a multiples pregnancy.

Make sure to talk with your doctor before the procedure so you both agree on how many embryos to implant. There are a number of questions to ask regarding the cost and details of specific centers and fertility programs.

Some couples want to explore more traditional or over the counter efforts before exploring infertility procedures. If you are trying to get pregnant and looking for resources to support your efforts, we invite you to check out the fertility product and resource guide provided by our corporate sponsor.

Review resource guide here. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Gamete and embryo donation: Deciding whether to tell. Risks of fertility treatment. Why is IVF used? IVF can be used to treat infertility in the following patients: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes Male factor infertility including decreased sperm count or sperm motility Women with ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, uterine fibroids Women who have had their fallopian tubes removed Individuals with a genetic disorder Unexplained infertility How is In Vitro Fertilization Done?

There are five basic steps in the IVF and embryo transfer process: Step 1: Fertility medications are prescribed to stimulate egg production. How Successful is IVF? Some side effects after IVF may include: Passing a small amount of fluid may be clear or blood-tinged after the procedure Mild cramping Mild bloating Constipation Breast tenderness If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: Heavy vaginal bleeding Pelvic pain Blood in the urine A fever over More severe symptoms, typically from OHSS, include the following: Nausea or vomiting Decreased urinary frequency Shortness of breath Faintness Severe stomach pains and bloating Ten-pound weight gain within three to five days If you experience any of these symptoms above, contact your doctor right away.

Additional risks of IVF include the following: Egg retrieval carries risks of bleeding, infection, and damage to the bowel or bladder. The chance of a multiples pregnancy is increased with the use of fertility treatment. There are additional risks and concerns related to multiples during pregnancy including the increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. Very rarely, bowel or blood vessel injury can require emergency surgery.

What are the risks associated with embryo transfer? Women may feel mild cramping or vaginal spotting afterward. Very rarely, an infection may develop, which can usually be treated with antibiotics. Where can I get more information on IVF? For more information on IVF related pregnancies, future pregnancies, and possible risk of birth defects, explore www.